*In a tragic outcome linked to the dangerous realm of online crimes, two Nigerian men have been sentenced to 17 years in prison for their role in a sextortion scheme that led to the death of a Michigan teen.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing on Thursday (09-05-24), stating that Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and his brother Samson Ogoshi, 21, both hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, will serve a 210-month prison term after completing five years of supervised release. Charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, the brothers were implicated in a scheme that targeted over 100 victims, including 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, a student at Marquette High School, reports CBS Detroit.
The sextortion case unraveled after DeMay tragically ended his life in March 2022, a consequence of the relentless pressure exerted by the Ogoshi brothers, who operated an international sextortion ring. By hacking social media accounts and impersonating women, they tricked DeMay into sending a nude photo of himself, after which they extorted him. They were initially charged in November 2022 and extradited to the United States in 2023, pleading guilty in April 2024.
“The sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in reaction to the court’s decision. He emphasized the commitment of federal officials to bring cybercriminals to justice, no matter where they might be in the world. “We will track you down and hold you accountable,” he affirmed, marking a significant stance against such heinous activities.
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Emotional testimonies from DeMay’s family during the sentencing hearing highlighted the profound impact of their son’s loss. His mother, Jennifer Buta, shared the devastation she felt, recalling, “shattered to the core, infuriated and trapped in grief.” She recounted that the last text she received from Jordan expressed his love for her, a poignant moment that turned tragic following his suicide.
The heart-wrenching words of DeMay ‘s stepmother, Jessica DeMay, echoed the family’s sorrow, emphasizing that every moment of happiness would now be shadowed by the grief of losing Jordan. His father, John DeMay, also expressed his enduring anguish, sharing that he remains haunted by the tragic scene he found.
The case has sparked discussions around the need for heightened safety measures in social media environments. Following Jordan’s death, legislation known as the “Report Act” was signed into law in 2024. This important piece of legislation mandates that social media companies report incidents of child sex trafficking, grooming, or enticement to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s cyber tip line. It also introduces stricter penalties for those who fail to report such crimes, further aiming to protect vulnerable individuals from the dangers of online exploitation.
The sentences handed to Samuel and Samson Ogoshi serve not only as a form of justice for Jordan DeMay’s family but also as a warning to those who engage in similar criminal activities. As the digital landscape evolves, these measures highlight society’s commitment to safeguarding its youth against the rising tide of online threats.
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